GM offers buyouts to skilled trades workers

DETROIT: General Motors Co. is offering buyouts to several thousand skilled trades workers at 14 plants around the US.

The automaker will pay eligible workers $60,000 to retire with full benefits. Younger workers will have the option to take the $60,000 in exchange for giving up retiree health care and other benefits.

GM spokesman Chris Lee didn't know how many workers will get the offers. The company estimates it has 2,000 more skilled trades workers than it needs right now. Skilled trades workers do jobs that need special training, like electrical work and welding.

Eligible workers will be notified by Dec. 23 and will have to leave the company by March 1.

This is the first buyout GM has offered since its 2009 bankruptcy.